Zen Green Tea Liqueur (20%, Imported by Suntory International, Distributed by Skyy)
Zen Green Tea Liqueur is an even better of the concoction that I made back in my fraternity days, when I mixed Iced Tea with cheap whiskey. However, there are some key differences between Zen Green Tea Liqueur and that Frankenstein’s creation, in that it literally tastes like Green Tea, while still having a decent enough alcoholic content (40 proof, or 20% alcohol by volume). Green tea leaves are ground up, linked to other herbs and spices, and then given just enough alcohol to get a very nice buzz going. Zen Green Tea Liqueur is the ultimate sipping drink; a few ice cubes and six to eight ounces of Zen Green Tea Liqueur will keep individuals nicely warm through the night. However, where Zen Green Tea Liqueur has its greatest amount of strength has to be in its versatility in regards to mixers. Vodka and lime juice mixed with Zen Green Tea Liqueur makes for a Zentini, while a little bit of white cranberry juice with the liqueur makes for a Zen Breeze. With a price point at around $30 USD, Zen Green Tea Liqueur will provide individuals with a liqueur that is strong enough to stand on its own, able enough to be mixed with practically anything in the fridge or on the shelf, and will be appreciated by practically anyone that is drinking.
Tullamore Dew Irish Whiskey (40%, Imported by Allied Domecq Spirits, Distributed by Skyy)
The first thing that I purchased after I turned 21 was a handle of Evan Williams Whiskey and a Black and Mild. Needless to say, I was on a budget at the time, and my tastes were not too terribly cultured. One thing has remained true through the years since that date; I like whiskey. I have tended to gravitate towards the cheaper brands and styles of whiskey (Ten High is another example), but picking up a bottle of Tullamore Dew may just break me of that. This Irish Whiskey is typical in terms of alcohol content – 80 proof, or 40% alcohol by volume – but is very atypical in terms of the flavor and taste that it has. Sure, it will feel warm in one’s stomach after taking a swig, but the flavor of the whiskey is muted to allow individuals to actually taste Tullamore Dew instead of having Tullamore Dew burn the back of one’s throat. As was the case with Zen Green Tea Liqueur, Tullamore Dew Irish Whiskey is very dangerous in that sense. Individuals could easily down shot after shot without having the same rawness that other whiskeys would provide. Overall, Tullamore Dew is the best whiskey that I’ve the chance to actually taste, and would suggest it even to individuals that are not normally fans of that type of alcohol.
Midori Melon Liqueur  (20%, Imported by Suntory International, Distributed by Skyy)
Finally, we come to Midori Melon Liqueur. Of the three types of spirit reviewed in this panel, the highest interest was toward this Liqueur. The bright green color of Midori reminds individuals of perhaps a sour apple Jolly Rancher, or even Absinthe. The taste of Midori, however, is different than all of that. The alcohol content is similar to that of Zen Green Tea Liqueur – 40 proof, or 20% alcohol by volume – but that is where the similarity ends. One reviewer likened the taste of Midori to an old, green-colored cough syrup that was on the market a few years ago. Another found the taste too sweet to properly enjoy, while the final reviewer felt that, while a decent liqueur, it did not hold a candle to the strong step forward put forth by either Zen Green Tea Liqueur or Tullamore Dew Irish Whiskey.
Conclusion
Ultimately, Skyy’s latest offerings as a distributor are strong. Individuals should make it a point to pick up both Zen Green Tea Liqueur and Tullamore Dew Irish Whiskey. If individuals are fans of a melon flavor, or of their alcohols and liqueurs being very sweet, Midori would be a good purchase.
